At age 15, began working for New York's Wilhelmina Modeling Agency, becoming one of the agency's youngest models at the time
Her big break was playing bush pilot Maggie in 1990's Northern Exposure
Named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World by People Magazine in 1993
Made her directorial debut with the 2004 short film Trip in a Summer Dress
Appointed a member of the President's Volunteer Service Council in 2006
Memorably played the wife of the domineering father of a high-school football player on the acclaimed drama series Friday Night Lights in 2008 and 2009
Recipient of the Women at Work Award from the National Commission on Working Women
A political activist and supporter of Republican party causes, she is the author of Holding Her Head High: 12 Single Mothers Who Championed Their Children and Changed History
Awards
1994Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series:nominated
1994Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama:nominated
1993Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:nominated
1993Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama:nominated
1992Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama:nominated